In and Around Park Forest Week of October 13, 2014

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)—October 13, 2014.  The Village of Park Forest has announced that Country Squire Foods, currently with a location in Chicago Heights, will open a new store in Park Forest at 120 South Orchard Drive – the space formerly operated by Orchard Fresh Market. The store is scheduled to open in November. More information on Country Squire Foods can be found at www.countrysquirefoods.com. Please give Country Squire Foods a warm welcome to Park Forest when it opens and be sure to support all of our local businesses.

If your club, organization or local business will be holding activities or events in our community during the upcoming week, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the details. Submission deadline is noon on Friday of each week.

Village of Park Forest

Village Commission & Advisory Boards

The following Park Forest Commissions and Advisory Boards are scheduled to meet the week of October 13:

• Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m. – Commission on Human Relations
• Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m. – Youth Commission

The meetings will be held at Park Forest Village Hall and residents are encouraged to attend.

Arts & Entertainment

Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

‘Raisin’ Cane’ Starring Jasmine Guy – Friday, October 17

On Friday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. ‘Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey’ will be performed at the Center. The play, starring the award-winning actress (A Different World), singer and former Alley dancer, Jasmine Guy and the acclaimed Avery Sharpe Jazz Trio, ‘Raisin’ Cane’ celebrates the legendary voices of the Harlem Renaissance through music, movement and stunning visual imagery. Tickets are priced at $55, $45, and $35. In addition, $100 VIP tickets are available that include a 6 p.m. Food & Cocktail Reception and Post-Show Meet and Greet with Jasmine Guy. The Center box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. For more information, contact the box office at www.centertickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

Classic Albums Live Presents the Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ – Tickets Now on Sale

On Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m., Classic Albums Live will present the Beatles ‘Abby Road’ at the Center. Anything but a cover band, Classic Albums Live forgoes the gimmickry of costumes and impersonations, recreating greatest albums live “note for note, cut for cut.” These world-class musicians tackle iconic music, concentrating solely on re-creating it as you remember it from the original recording. ‘Abby Road’ includes legendary songs such as “Come Together,” “Something,” “Octopus’ Garden,” “Here Comes the Sun” and many more. Tickets are priced at $30, $27 and $25. In addition, Golden Circle tickets are available for $35. The Center box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. For more information, contact the box office at www.centertickets.net or call 708-235-2222.

DePaul University Art Museum, 935 West Fullerton, Chicago

Disquiet Music Ensemble – Saturday, October 18

On Saturday, October 18 at 3 p.m. the Disquiet Music ensemble in collaboration with the DePaul Art Museum will present a concert of rarely performed musical works of composers supported by the WPA, including Johanna Beyer. The concert will also feature world premieres by Chicago composers and performers exploring the texts and ideas of the WPA. In conjunction with the museum’s exhibit “Ink, Paper, Politics,” the Disquiet Music ensemble will delve into the role of the WPA in shaping the modern American music scene. The event is free and open to the public. For more information please visit: Disquiet Music Ensemble.

DePaul University Theatre School, Chicago

‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ – Through November 15

The Chicago Playworks opens its season with ‘The Phantom Tollbooth,’ by Susan Nanus based on the book by Norton Juster. Performances will take place through November 15 at the Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. Milo is bored in his bedroom until a magical tollbooth appears and transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Here he discovers the magic of words and numbers, travels to strange lands like Dictionopolis and Digitopolis and meets a Mathemagician, Spelling Bee, and other curious friends. Will they be able to save Princess Rhyme and Princess Reason if they work together? Based on the beloved book, this whimsical fairy tale proves that imagination and knowledge can change the world. The production is recommended for ages 7 and up. Educational themes include: discovery, fables, idioms, metaphor, and wordplay, imagination, literary adaption, mathematics, numbers, and patterns, perseverance, personification, and teamwork. ‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ runs through November 15 with performances on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $5 for students and are available at www.theatre.depaul.edu or by phone at the box office at 312-922-1991.

Drama Group, 330 West 202 Street, Chicago Heights

Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ – Through October 19

The Drama Group is very pleased to be presenting Stephen Sondheim’s delicious musical ‘A Little Night Music.’ Performances will be held at the Drama Group Studio Theatre on: October 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday October 19 at 2:00 p.m. Sondheim creates a stunning tour de force when he takes Ingmar Bergman’s comedy of manners, Smiles of a Summer Night, and turns it into a musical of masterful execution and elegance. Winner of four TONY Awards, this is a musical work that has forever entranced the world of theatre. Set in 1900 Sweden, ‘A Little Night Music’ explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress Desirée Armfeldt and the men who love her. ‘A Little Night Music’ is full of hilariously witty and heartbreakingly moving moments of adoration, regret and desire. This dramatic musical celebration of love is perfect to showcase your highly-trained singers with its harmonically-advanced score and masterful orchestrations and contains Sondheim’s popular song, the haunting "Send in the Clowns."  Tickets are $21 for adults and $20 for seniors and $15 for students with ID. Group discount rates are also available. Good seats are still available. There is limited handicap seating.  Please call the Drama Group box office for details about ‘A Little Night Music.’ Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 708-755-3444 or online http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/242073 or see details at www.dramagroup.org

Freedom Hall, Nathan Manilow Theatre, 401 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest

Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective – Tickets Now on Sale

Freedom Hall kicks off its 2014 – 2015 Matinee/Senior Theatre with a Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective on Tuesday, October 21 at 11 a.m. AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle have been performing this remarkable tribute to the music of “Simon & Garfunkel” for more than a decade and their sold out shows prove the effect on their audiences is undeniable. A chance meeting in 1991, in a local club in Bethlehem, PA, brought these two talented artists together and soon they were blending their voices as if they had been performing together for a lifetime. AJ’s warm baritone and Jonathan’s soaring tenor combine flawlessly to capture the essence and magic of “Simon & Garfunkel’s” sound of the early years in Greenwich Village. With a quiet stage and an acoustic guitar, A.J. and Jonathan re-create the memories of the classic hits and obscure songs of “Simon & Garfunkel.” Tickets are $13. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.
Visit the Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective website.

The Slide Brothers — Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for the November 7 performance of the Slide Brothers that will take place at Freedom Hall at 7:30 p.m. The Slide Brothers are Calvin Cooke, Chuck Campbell, Darick Campbell and Aubrey Ghent–the greatest living musicians who embody the Sacred Steel tradition. The joyous music these legendary artists create extends far beyond scared steel to encompass blues, rock and soul all celebrated with a sound that is uniquely their own. Where the music of Muddy Waters or the Allman Brothers showcased traditional six string slide guitar, critics and fans alike were jolted by the an even more potent brand of slide guitar being performed on pedal steel instruments. As the center core of the Sacred Steel movement was its artistic purity. The Slide Brothers and other pedal steel icons have fostered a rich, uniquely American art form unspoiled by commercialism. Read more about The Slide Brothers. Tickets are $28. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 708-747-0580 or visit www.freedomhall.org.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest

Opening Night 2014 ‘Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5’ – Tickets Now on Sale

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will open its 2014 season with an eclectic blend of European and American musical traditions. First up is Maestro Danzmayr’s American music selection, a charming suite in three movements which evokes images of both upstate New York and the bustling city. Next, BBC award-winning pianist Lisa Smirnova performs with the orchestra on Austrian composer Friedrich Gulda’s Mozart-style concerto infused with jazz. Beethoven’s much-loved Symphony No. 5 closes a stellar season opening. The concert will be performed at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Avenue, Frankfort, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55, $45, and $35 and can be purchased online at https://secure.ticketsage.net/websales.aspx?u=ipo&pid=251194. For additional information call 708-481-7774 or visit www.ipomusic.org.

National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM), 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Surrealism and War – Through November 1

Surrealism and War, an exhibition of veterans’ artwork that explores the relationship between surrealism and the experience of war will be on display at the NVAM through November 1. Surrealism and War includes the seminal work “The Earth Lies Screaming” by Jim Leedy, a Korean War veteran who was one of only two Americans invited to participate in the largest Surrealist exhibition ever assembled at the Retretti Art Center, Finland, an exhibition that began with Miro, Dali, and DuChamp, and culminated with several works by Mr. Leedy. Surrealism is an attempt to revolt against the inherent contradictions of a society ruled by rational thought while dominated by war and oppression. Surrealism seeks expression of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason and free of aesthetic and moral preoccupation. It is this same absence of control exercised by reason that many combat veterans seek to explore and express after their experiences in war. Surrealism and War features the artwork of nine veteran artists that intentionally and unintentionally use and explore Surrealist processes and concepts.  Featured artists include Korean War veteran Jim Leedy, Vietnam War veterans William Dugan, Stan Gillett, Michael Helbing, and Richard Yohnka, Gulf War veteran Ehren Tool, Kosovo veteran Giuseppe Pellicano, and Iraq War veterans David Keefe and Robynn Murray. The National Veterans Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For group admission reservations, call the Museum at 312/326-0270 or visit www.nvam.org. Patrons of the museum can access art from the permanent collection and biographical information on the artists through the NVAM Collection Online, a recently launched online and high-resolution archive of every piece of art in the museum’s permanent collection. The NVAM Collection Online can be found at www.nvam.org.

Park Forest Historical Society, 141 Forest Boulevard, Park Forest

Celebrate a 1950s Halloween at the Park Forest House Museum

"It’s Halloween," 1950s vintage Halloween decorations, including die-cuts and Gurley Candles, will be on exhibit at the 1950s Park Forest House Museum from September 13 to November 8. Visit for a nostalgic look at Halloween in the 1950s. Open Wednesday and Saturday 10:30 to 3:30 p.m.; or by appointment. Adults $5; kids 12 and under free with adults. Additional information is with Jane Nicoll, 708-481-4252 or visit www.parkforesthistory.org.

Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard

The following events will be held this week at the Park Forest Library:

• Monday, October 13 at 11 a.m. – Storypalooza — A fun story time for all kids through the age of 6 with an adult. Siblings are welcome.
• Tuesday, October 14 at 2:30 p.m. — Mouse Basics — Learn to the basics of using a computer mouse through fun and interactive "Mouse Aerobics." Registration Required.
• Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. — PJ Story Time — Wear your PJs out on the town! Bring along a fuzzy friend and your blanket too! Stories, activities, and more… Ages 12 and under.
• Wednesday, October 15 at 11 a.m. — Baby Time — Story time for infants to 35 months of age with an adult. This story time is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories, and more.
• Thursday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m. – POL — Hellzapoppin’: Realsurlism” with Valerie Nicholson.
• Thursday, October 16 at 11 a.m. — Toddler Art — Bring your little artist ages 3 to 5 to create their very own masterpiece! We may get a little messy so wear play clothes.
• Saturday, October 18 at 11 a.m. — Microsoft Word 2013 — An introduction to using the word processing program Microsoft Word. Registration Required.

For additional information or to register for a program, call 708-748-3731 or visit http://www.pfpl.org/.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted, Chicago Heights

Fossil, Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show – October 18 & 19

PSC’s Natural Science Department is hosting the South Suburban Earth Science Club Fossil, Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, in the Prairie Center Gym on PSC’s main campus. The event is co-sponsored by the South Suburban Earth Science Club (SSESC). The annual show is an opportunity for gem and fossil enthusiasts to meet the experts, get a close look at the latest finds, learn about the geological history of the area, and purchase rare gems, fossils, and artifacts. Scouts also will have the opportunity to earn their geology badges at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Additionally, Joel Knapper, NASA ambassador, will make presentations on Sunday, Oct. 19, about past, current, and future NASA programs. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Burrough at [email protected] or 708-709-3674, or Jan Podbielski at janskidesigns.com or 708-652-5876.

Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Reading by Valeria Luiselli – Wednesday, October 15

Valeria Luiselli, the author of the novel Faces in the Crowd and the essay collection Sidewalks (both published by Coffee House Press), will read and discuss her work at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 15 in Roosevelt University’s Gage Gallery. The reading is free and open to the public, and is part of the Roosevelt University’s Creative Writing Program Fall Reading Series. The event is presented in conjunction with Make Magazine’s Lit and Luz Festival, which is promoting artists and writers from Mexico City at various venues throughout Chicago on October 15-18. Luiselli was born in Mexico City in 1983, grew up in South Africa, currently resides in New York City, and earned her PhD in Comparative Literature at Columbia University. In addition to her books, she has published work in The New York Times, Granta, and McSweeney’s. Luiselli also creates visual, audio, and dance-based art. Free and open to the public, the reading is presented by the MFA in Creative Writing Program, the University’s literary magazine Oyez Review, and the Department of Literature and Languages at Roosevelt University.

Roosevelt University, 430 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ – Tickets Now on Sale

‘You Can’t Take It With You,’ a comedy that features a hodgepodge of cheerful and delightfully batty bunglers by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, will be staged October 24 through October 25. Theater Conservatory instructor Steve Scott, associate producer at the Goodman Theatre, will direct the show. For ticket prices or additional information, call 312-341-3831 or visit www.roosevelt.edu/ccpa.

Salon Artists Gallery, 294 Main Street, Park Forest

‘El Viejo’ Exhibit – Through October 31

‘El Viejo’ an exhibit by artist Wyll Mull will be on display through October 31. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For additional information and Gallery hours, call 708-833-5108.

South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland

‘The Land Where It Doesn’t Snow’ Exhibit – Through October 16

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a solo exhibition titled ‘The Land Where It Doesn’t Snow’ by Chicago Heights-based visual artist Luis Sahagun is now on display.   Born, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Sahagun creates sculptures out of repurposed cardboard, concrete, metal, and wood.  These materials are part of his childhood vernacular and at times are used as a metaphor for finding beauty in the discarded.  Opting for power tools and saws over a paintbrush and canvas, He aims to utilize destruction and demolition as a vehicle to make his artistic mark.  In his cardboard series, Sahagun collects cardboard found on the streets of his community.  Once his studio is congested with material, he carefully glues the layers together before making cuts, tears, and slices on the surface. In addition to being featured in New American Paintings 2014 MFA Annual, Sahagun has been featured in Expo Chicago 2014, solo shows and juried exhibitions in Chicago and surrounding cities of Illinois.  See his exhibition through the closing reception at 1:00 p.m. on October 16th –the Thiel Gallery is on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.  

‘Residue’ Exhibit by Samantha Haring – Through October 16

An exhibition entitled ‘Residue’ by artist Samantha Haring has opened in the Lee Dulgar Gallery.  Thirteen oil-on-canvas paintings are featured in this exhibition.  Her paintings are intimate meditations on humble objects and the detritus of studio life.  Haring says that the process of methodically considering light and color is her way of understanding the world and her ever-evolving place in it. These studio interiors and still life’s are part of an ongoing series exploring self-portraiture through private space and personal objects. Haring will also be present for a closing reception on October 16th at 12:30 p.m.  The Dulgar Gallery is located on the 1st Floor near the Atrium.  Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.  

2014 PAC Rats Theatre Company Schedule

The PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College has announced its October 2014 performance schedule. Please note that this calendar is correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 12:00 p.m.

David L. Howard, SSC Violin Professor, lectures on works by Bach, Sarasate, and Paginini. Marilyn Bourgeois, SSC Piano Professor, will accompany in recital.

Friday, October 17, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

The SSC Symphonic Band will perform in concert.

All events are held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on SSC’s Main Campus, 15800 South State Street. Admission is free at all events.  Donations are appreciated to benefit the Music Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 708-596-2000, extension 2316.

The X-Ray Series – Opens October 21

An exhibition titled ‘The X-Ray Series’ will be on display October 21st through a closing reception with artist Michael Hopkins on November 17th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Hopkins has exhibited throughout the United States, in Canada and Europe. He has art in numerous museum permanent collections including The Art Institute of Chicago. ‘The X-Ray Series’ was completed between 2004 and 2007. The media is white ink on slate comprised of slightly altered images of both human and animal X-rays.  Twenty (20) pieces from ‘The X-Ray Series’ will exhibit at SSC as part a larger collection on display internationally including The Progressive Art Collection, Mayfield Village, Ohio–rated as one of the best collections by Forbes Magazine, Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, Wisconsin, and permanent collections at The University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor Michigan and The Wellcome Trust Collection, London, England–Nobel Peace Prize winner James Watson spoke at the opening. ‘The X-Ray Series’ can be viewed during gallery hours in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays.  The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.  

Connie Wolfe Exhibit ‘Faint Perceptions – Opens October 27

‘Faint Perceptions’ is an exhibition by artist Connie Wolfe that will run October 27th through the closing reception on November 20th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Three installations will be featured in the exhibit.  Wolfe earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin, and his Master of Fine Arts from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.  Wolfe is inspired by the rich colors and textures in natural environments that typically go unnoticed in the everyday rituals of our society. ‘Faint Perceptions’ will be exhibiting in the Lee Dulgar Gallery on the first floor near the college Atrium.  SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays.  The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge. For more information, please call 708-596-2000, extension 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art.  

Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest

‘Beautiful Writing’ the Art of Contemporary Calligraphy – Through November 8

‘Beautiful Writing’ an exhibit featuring the art of contemporary calligraphy will run at the Gallery through November 8. An artists’ reception will be held on Friday, October 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition, an Open House with artists’ demonstrations will take place on Saturday, October 11 from 11 a.m. to p.m. The exhibit, reception and open house are free and open to the public. The exhibit includes the work of thirteen artists, many of them connected with the Chicago Calligraphy Collective. Whatever preconceptions about calligraphy visitors hold before they visit the show, the startling scale of the works, the highest level of technical skills on display and the wealth of ideas the artists investigate will provide many reasons to see this art form in a very different light. Ranging from pieces that are in the vein of very traditional, ornate and colorfully designed letter forms to huge, invented and handmade calligraphic objects that dance across an entire wall, the exhibit offers viewers opportunities to see the diverse directions artists now explore using actual alphabets; abstracted, hybrid, and mixed media letter images; and totally original and illegible works that celebrate the process of simply making written marks. Every artist included in the exhibit brings a unique interpretation to letters, words, texts, and the act of writing. Visually the show is both bold and subtle. Conceptually, the works are both reverential to the history of calligraphy and wildly and playfully stretching and blurring all of its traditional boundaries. For additional information, visit: www.tallgrassarts.org or call 708-748-3377.

Union Street Gallery (USC), 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights

‘Material Matters’ Exhibit – Through October 25

‘Material Matters,’ a national juried fiber art exhibit will be on display at the Gallery through October 25.  For additional information, call 708-754-2601 or visit www.unionstreetgallery.org.

Gallery Hop Bus Tour – Tickets Now on Sale

Join the South Suburban art scene on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ‘Gallery Hop Bus Tour.’ The tour will visit exhibits at Prairie State College’s Christopher Gallery from 10:30 a.m. to 11: 15 a.m.; the Union Street Gallery from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.’ Tall Grass Arts Association from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.; and Governors State University’s Visual Arts Gallery from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Different brunch refreshments will be served at each gallery hop stop. You can ‘hop’ by taking the Metra Electric line, Flossmoor station for the 10:14 a.m. arrival from Chicago (SSAS bus leaves 10:20 a.m. for Prairie State College (PSC)) or drive to PSC and join the SSAS bus, or drive to locations on your. Bus will stop at University Park Metra Station for the 2:57 departure to Chicago, and then return to PSC. Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets on-line via link at www.unionstreetgallery.org, by credit card in-person at the Tall Grass Arts Association, 367 Artists Walk, Park Forest, or with cash/check at any of the other participating Galleries. For additional information, call Union Street Gallery at 708-754-2601.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest

Rainbow Café – Friday, October 17

UUCC will host the Rainbow Café on Friday October 17 at 6:30 p.m. The Rainbow Café is an opportunity for singe or partnered gays, lesbians, bisexuals or other sexual minorities, and their allies, to meet one another and socialize in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Adults over 18 who identify as gay, bisexual, lesbian, or other sexual minorities, or who are exploring their sexual identify, or those who are supportive of such persons are welcome to attend. Those attending are encouraged to bring some non-alcoholic drinks and a desert or snack to pass, or bring a financial donation. However, neither is mandatory. Those who wish can participate in a small group discussion. For more information, call 708-481-5339 and connect to the Rainbow extension.

Educational Lectures & Opportunities

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

What It Takes to Serve on the School Board – Registration Now in Progress

If you are thinking of running for your local school board, and would like to know more about the role of the school board member in governing successful school districts, attend this this free workshop. Sponsored by the Governors State University Metropolitan Institute of Leadership in Education, the Prospective School Board Member Workshop will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Eisenhower Cooperative Administrative Offices, 5318 135th Street, Crestwood. A panel of school law and school finance experts will discuss a variety of topics ranging from what to consider when standing for  public office, ethics and school law including board member liabilities, conflicts of interest and nepotism, and school budgets and funding at the  local, state, and federal levels. Attendees will learn how effective school leaders can enhance student growth, support financial stability, and contribute to the quality of life in a community. For information, call 708-534-4024. To register, go to http://schoolboard11-8.eventbrite.com.

Workshop on Implementing Social and Emotional Learning in Schools – Registration Required by October 28

The Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education at Governors State University is presenting a workshop for educators designed to arm administrators with the research and strategic tools needed to implement academic, social and emotional learning throughout their districts. “Implementing Social and Emotional Learning to Improve Student Growth” will be held on Wednesday, November 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in E-Lounge on the GSU campus. The workshop will be led by Ruth Cross, the Illinois Training Specialist for the Collaborative for Social, Academic, and Emotional Learning. Participants will learn how to address the Illinois standards for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL); understand the research that supports implementing SEL into your district and school practices and policies; understand the structural and strategic supports that improve conditions for learning; and assess the current levels of SEL implementation in your buildings. At the end of this workshop, you will develop a one-year plan outlining next steps to address implementing SEL throughout your district and buildings. The cost of the workshop is $25, plus $15 for Administrators Academy credit (Administrators Academy 1374). Registration is required by October 28, at https://RuthCross11-5workshop.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 708-534-4024

Teens: Sex and Health Choices Summit – Registration Required

Underage drinking, tobacco and other drug use/abuse are putting South Cook County teens at greater risk of teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The South Suburban Family Wellness Alliance (SSFWA), in collaboration with The Prevention Partnership, Inc., Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (T.A.S.C.), Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center, Bremen Youth Services, Franciscan St. James Health and Mental Health America of Illinois, is sponsoring a Southland Call to Action Summit on Friday, November 7, 2014, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the E Lounge (Room E1571) of Governors State University. This half-day summit will focus on the prevention of teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS/STIs among teens in South Cook County. Featured panelists and moderators will include: Dr. Cheryl Mejta, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health at GSU; Peter Palanca, MA, CADC, Executive Vice President of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (T.A.S.C.) and a Senior Lecturer in GSU’s Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health; Kimberley Fornero, Bureau Chief, Positive Youth Development, Illinois Department of Human Services; Dr. Joseph Day, Assistant Professor of Community Health at GSU; Alisa Webb, Coordinator of Drug-Free Communities Program for T.A.S.C.; Kimberli Thompson, Administrator at Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center;  Shellie Coleman, Coordinator, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, The Prevention Partnership, Inc; Juanita Jenkins, Bremen Youth Services; John Farrell, Ph.D., psychologist; Caryn Curry, Director of Prevention, Mental Health America of Illinois; and Joseph Gordon, Associate Principal, Rich South School District 227. The goals of the Summit include:

• Educate sectors of the community about the rising numbers of teen pregnancies, HIV/AIDS/STIs among young people in the south suburbs;
• Identify gaps in services and resources for teens and their families;
• Develop agreements between providers and south suburban community sectors to actively participate in the development and implementation of a Regional 12-month Strategic Action Plan aimed at the prevention of teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS/STIs among young people in the south suburbs;
• Prevent underage drinking and other drug use, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS/STIs and mental health issues by building relationships among community sectors/stakeholders and by promoting positive family dynamics.

Although teen pregnancy rates are decreasing, the personal and public costs of teen pregnancy, childbearing, substance use and STIs can have many adverse consequences for teens, their children and their community. This call to action for these preventable outcomes will help to create community awareness and provide opportunities for dialogue and future planning among stakeholders.  The following is the URL to the “News and Events” webpage for the College of Health and Human Services – detailed Summit Program information and Registration form can be found at this location:  http://www.govst.edu/Academics/Colleges_and_Programs/College_of_Health_and_Human_Services/News_and_Events/ To register or obtain additional information, contact Debra Sbalchiero, Office Support Specialist, at [email protected].

Job Search Assistance Every Tuesday at GSU

The Mobile Workforce Center’s mobile unit will be at GSU every Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., parked near the university’s front entrance. Center services include resume development, access to online job boards and websites, instruction in how to conduct an online job search and improve keyboarding skills, and assistance of staff. The center is equipped with 11 computer stations with Internet access, printer, and copy machines, and is wheelchair accessible. Services are free and available to residents in all counties. For additional information, contact the Workforce Services Division of Will County at 815-727-4980.

Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland, Chicago Heights

Accelerated Weekend Experience – Registration Now Taking Place

Marian Catholic is offering a unique learning opportunity for academically talented students in grades 5 through 8. In collaboration with Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, the Accelerated Weekend Experience (AWE) program provides challenging, hands-on, in-depth exploration for those passionate about the subjects of (Materials Science & Engineering: Sports Materials and Forensic Science). The two-day AWE courses will be held at Marian Catholic on October 25 & 26, 2014, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday. (Materials Science & Engineering: Sports Materials) is for students in grades 5 and 6, and (Forensic Science) for grades 7 and 8.

Materials Design & Engineering: Sports Materials (Grades 5 & 6)

Engineering bridges the gap between imagination and the laws of nature. In this project-based course, students learn about the attributes and advantages of sports materials by engaging in scientific inquiry and a culminating design project. Activities include exploring ball design & materials, measuring the rebound of sports balls, investigating energy absorption of materials, comparing rolling friction on different surfaces, and researching sports materials to design new sports equipment or a mini-golf game. Topics in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering and materials science unite in the world of sports.
Subject area: Engineering

Forensic Science (Grades 7 & 8)

Forensic Scientists use skills and techniques that come from a variety of disciplines—logic, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and technology—to solve mysteries. This course covers observational skills, perceptual fallacies, codes and code breaking, osteology, chromatography, criminology and more. Students will extract DNA, take fingerprints, analyze blood spatters and discuss famous-and infamous-cases. 
Subject area: Science

For complete information on the courses, eligibility and how to apply, visit www.ctd.northwestern.edu, send a message to Betsy at [email protected] or call 847-491-3782 ext. 4.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights

Illinois College Exposition Fair – Tuesday, October 14

PSC is hosting the Illinois College Exposition Fair (ICE) from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 14, in the Atrium on the PSC main campus. More than 100 representatives from in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities will be on hand to answer high school students’ and their parents’ questions about programs, campus activities, and admissions requirements. Current PSC students who are thinking about transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree also can learn about transfer options. There will be two financial aid seminars about applying for federal financial aid at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. in the Conference Center Auditorium. A seminar on athletic eligibility and scholarships, featuring Frank DuBois of Lewis University, will be held at 6:45 p.m. in the Conference Center room 1315. DuBois will address NCAA rules and regulations, as well as recent changes. The annual event is organized by the South Suburban Counselors Fair Committee, which includes counselors from PSC, Bloom High School, Bloom Trail High School, Crete-Monee High School, Marian Catholic High School, Peotone High School, Rich Central High School, Rich East High School, and Rich South High School. PSC Associate Professor and Counselor Sarah Hein says it is important for all students who plan to transfer after attending PSC to attend the fair. Sponsors for this year’s fair include Country House and Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The fair is free and open to the public. For a complete listing of colleges and universities attending the fair, visit prairiestate.edu/college fairs. For more information, call PSC’s Counseling and Academic Advising Center at 708-709-3506.

Conference on Understanding Mental Health – Registration Required by Tuesday, October 21

Mental illness is very prevalent today, impacting people of all ages. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five American adults faces a mental health issue, one in 10 young people has grappled with a period of major depression, and one in 20 Americans lives with a serious mental illness. PSC is hosting a full-day conference, “Changing Perspectives and Altering Perceptions: Understanding Mental Health,” to increase awareness of the complexities of mental illness and ways to reduce the stigmas associated with it. The event sponsors include PSC, The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Grand Prairie Services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Sertoma Centre, Inc. The conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Conference Center on the PSC main campus in Chicago Heights. The day opens with registration, networking opportunities, and an exhibit expo. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., welcoming remarks will feature Craig D. Schmidt, PSC vice president, community and economic development, who will introduce special guest, Illinois Senator Michael E. Hastings. Hastings recently sponsored a bill in the Illinois Senate that would ensure that funds collected from the sale of the closed Tinley Mental Health Center stay in Tinley Park and the surrounding area. The bill passed the Senate unanimously. An 8:45 keynote address features Dr. Theodora Binion, acting director for mental health division and director of alcoholism and substance abuse for the Illinois Department of Human Services. The breakout sessions begin at 10:45 a.m.  Attendees can choose from one of the sessions, which include “Hearing Voices,” featuring Derek Harris of Sertoma Centre; “Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR),” featuring Gia Washington of Sertoma Centre; “Stressed Or Depressed? How to Know the Difference,” featuring Felicia Houston of Ingalls Behavioral Health; “Trauma and Recovery,” featuring Dan Wasmer, director region services, IDHS, Division of Mental Health; “Misconceptions, Mental Illness and Culture,” featuring PSC Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Cynthia Cornejo; “Mental Health First Aid: Increasing Understanding and Reducing Stigmas,” featuring Claudia Kottwitz of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago; and “Restoring Hope After Suicide: Working with Bereaved Survivors,” featuring Jack Starkey, LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Program facilitator and Deborah R. Major, director of the LOSS Program, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. An hour-long lunch and exhibit expo follows the breakout sessions. After lunch, the breakout sessions will be repeated, and attendees can choose a second session. The day will close with a 2 p.m. panel discussion, “My Journey with Mental Health,” featuring community members in recovery. The cost to attend the conference is $79 or $99 with CEU credits. The deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 21. Registration is available online at www.prairiestate.edu/personal-and-professional/news-and-events. For more information or registration assistance, contact Michelle Guiliani at 708-709-7957 or [email protected].

South Suburban College (SSC), 15800 South State Street, South Holland

SCORE Small Business Workshops Coming to SSC – Registration Now in Progress

SSC’s Business & Career Institute and SCORE have once again partnered to bring free business workshops geared for small business developers and owners. Two new workshops will be offered this fall at the college’s Oak Forest Center. Attendees may choose to attend one or both of the workshops at no charge to help their business grow and take advantage of the networking opportunities. Registration and networking at the SCORE workshops begins at 8:45 a.m., with instruction and discussion to follow from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  The upcoming workshop schedule is as follows:

Taking Your Business Idea from Concept to Reality — Wednesdays, November 12 and 19, 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Coming up with ideas is the easy part; executing the idea is the hard part!  Most entrepreneurs focus more on the ideas and less on how to organize for action.  This two-part series workshop includes two sessions on consecutive weeks.   The first session is intended to stimulate ideas into business actions.  Attendees will learn to become a business thinker by examining and developing an action plan document. The second session the following week is an open panel discussion of selected summaries, also intended to stimulate business thinking.  Attendees will learn to sell their ideas professionally, enthusiastically and concisely.   

All workshops will be held at the 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, Illinois.  To register by phone, please call Carmen Garcia at 708-596-2000, extension 2663.  For more information, email [email protected].

Online Educational Resources

Online college programs are a great way for today’s busy people to complete or earn a degree. To find an online college program in Illinois, visit http://www.onlineschools.org/guides/Illinois/ where you will find a compilation of every college program offered online in Illinois offered on a full or part-time basis.

Top U.S. Universities

Choosing what college or university to attend can be a very daunting experience. With educational costs continually increasing, it’s more important than ever to choose a university that meets your specific educational needs. At http://www.topschools.com/, you will find a comprehensive resource that ranks each university throughout the nation by size, degrees offered, tuition costs, admission, graduation and retention rates.

Healthy Living

Governors State University (GSU), 1 University Parkway, University Park

Free Psychotherapy Available from GSU’s Psychology Program

GSU’s Psychology Department is offering free psychotherapy services to members of the community. Conversations with a psychotherapist can help people cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, and life transition problems. Confidential, one-on-one sessions are held with a GSU graduate student in psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Individuals and couples, 18 years and older, are eligible. All sessions are conducted in Matteson, IL. The number of sessions is determined by the client’s needs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 708-235-2841.

Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip

Free Community Education and Prevention Programs about Mental Health

Sertoma Centre’s Mental Health Services facility is offering community mental health seminars, free of charge to community groups, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other community groups at their location in Matteson or facility. Education Programs will include: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which increases public awareness of suicide and improves one’s ability to identify and refer those at risk for suicide. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education course that helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance disorders. Also included is Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Anxiety/Depression Screenings. Thanks to a grant, these educational opportunities are available at no cost to you or your organization. To arrange a free educational opportunity for your club, group, workplace, organization, or church, call Gia Washington at 708-748-1951, Ext. 418 or email at [email protected].

Park Forest Fire Department, 156 Indianwood Boulevard, Park Forest

CPR Classes

CPR classes are available at the Park Forest Fire Department. Click on the following link for more details: http://pffd.vopf.com/cpr-classes.html

Shirley J. Green Senior Center, 297 Liberty Drive, Park Forest

Senior Citizen Weekday Lunch at the Senior Café

Senior citizens of all income levels are invited to lunch weekdays at the Rich Township Senior Café located inside the Rich Township’s Shirley J. Green Senior Center. The CNN site is open to all south suburban residents, including those living outside of Rich Township. Participants must be 60 years of age or older. The suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon. Bingo begins at 10 a.m. For additional information or to make a reservation for lunch, call 708-747-2700.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

Assistance With Medications & Health Services

If you, or someone you know, are struggling to pay for medications every month, they may be able to get the medicines they need for free or almost free through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you live in Illinois, you can get access to more than 475 public and private program available to help you pay for your medicines. Simply visit http://www.pparx.org/en/click_illinois to find out if you can apply to any of these great programs and to get connected with 10,000 free clinics and doctors.

Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC), 70 Sycamore Drive, Park Forest

Qigong with Jim Kobus – Most Thursdays

UUCC will host Qigong with Jim Kobus on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. This class will usually meet on Thursdays but there may be exceptions, so if you are interested in attending, please send an email to Jim Kobus at [email protected] so he can notify you when class will NOT be held. There is a suggested donation of $5 per class. Please bring your own water. It is recommended that you eat dinner after class, not before. For additional information, please call 708-799-1925 or visit www.uuccpf.org.

Green Events

Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club, Matteson

Monthly Meeting – Monday, October 13

The Sauk-Calumet Group of the Illinois Sierra Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, October 13, at 7:15 p.m. at the Frankfort Community Center, 140 Oak Street. PLEASE BE ADVISED: for the remainder of 2014 the meetings will NOT be held at the Frankfort Public Library but at the Frankfort Community Center. This month’s program is "Colorado!" Two photographers, Dan Morley and Rick Steffen, will show photos of wildlife and scenery from high in the Rocky Mountains. These stunning photographs should be the next best thing to actually being there. The Frankfort Community Center is at 140 Oak St., a block and a half south of Nebraska, and about 5 blocks east of LaGrange Rd. From LaGrange Rd., turn east on Nebraska and drive 5 blocks to Oak St. Turn south on Oak St. to the Center. Sierra Club meetings are free and open to the public. People who enjoy outdoor activities, who want to protect the environment, or who wish to preserve the world in which we live, are encouraged to attend. For additional information, contact Patrick Coffey, Publicity Chair, at [email protected].

Park Forest Environment Commission

Caring for Hand Tools Workshop – Saturday, October 18

Gardening season is almost over for 2014. Since we never know when (or if) spring will arrive in the south suburbs, it’s always a good idea to be prepared to start gardening on a moment’s notice! On Saturday, October 18, Donald Nekrosius will discuss caring for hand tools. This workshop will take place at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring a hand tool and learn how to sharpen and clean them like a pro. This workshop is co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Service, Thorn Creek Nature Center and the Park Forest Garden Club.

Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

Wednesday Morning Walkers – October 15

Wednesday Morning Walkers can enjoy the early autumn delights on these leisurely (or bris) trail walks. The group walks on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Trails can be wet or muddy, so please wear sturdy shoes. This event is free and open to the public ages 13 through adult. Registration is required two days before your first walk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Junior Ecologists Club – Registration Required by October 16

Thorn Creek’s Junior Ecologists Club offers monthly fun-filled nature activities for young people age 9 to 12. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 18 from noon to 3 p.m. Participants will explore the woods, track seasonal changes and discover woodland plants and animals. Young people should be prepared to get muddy, wear boots and long pants, and bring a water bottle and insect repellent. The Junior Ecologists Club is a free program. Registration is required no later than October 16. For additional information or to register call 708-747-6320.

Fall Colors Hike – Registration Required by October 17

On Sunday, October 19 come walk the trails of Thorn Creek Woods amidst trees of all types transitioning from their summer green leaves to shades of red, yellow, orange, gold, russet and even purple – the colors of autumn. The Fall Colors Hike at Thorn Creek Woods is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and is free for all ages. Discover not only why leaves change colors in the fall, but why different trees turn different colors. Participants should be prepared to walk over 2 miles outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven terrain. Registration is required by Friday, October 17. . For additional information or to register call 708-747-6320.

Experience the Thorn Creek Nature Center

Thorn Creek Nature Center is housed in a historic building, originally Immanuel Lutheran Church of Matteson, Illinois built in 1862, and later Village Bible Church of Park Forest. A gothic frame country church, its notable architectural features include curved ceiling, tongue-and-groove paneling and a raised pulpit. Its current attractions are displays of the preserve’s flora and fauna, a bird feeder viewing area, Eugene E. Schwartz reference library and an expanded children’s section. The Nature Center is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Trails are open daily year-round, dawn to dusk. For additional information, call 708-747-6320.

Village of Park Forest, 350 Victory Drive

Park Forest 41st Annual Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday through October 25

Park Forest’s 41st Annual Farmers’ Market will take place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. The Market is located across the street from the Park Forest Police Station, 271 Lakewood Boulevard. The Market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, organic breads, salsa, specialty produce, garden bedding plants, perennials, garden ornaments, Amish butter, cheese and pies. A variety of food vendors, jewelry and oils will also be available for purchase. The Market accepts SNAP/Link cards, Senior Nutrition coupons and WIC. For additional information about the Farmers’ Market, call Brenda Walker at 708-748-1118, email [email protected] or visit www.villageofparkforest.com.

This & That

Calvary United Church, 425 North Orchard, Park Forest

2014 Haunts Against Hunger – Events Begin October 24

It’s that time of year again…the 2014 ‘Haunts Against Hunger’ events will take place in Park Forest again this year to benefit the Monee and Rich Township Food Pantries.

• Come out and visit the Haunted House at Calvary United Church, 425 North Orchard (corner of Orchard & Lincoln Highway) on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Event Donation: bring a canned good for the Food Pantries and your cost is $4 per person. Attendance without a food donation is $5 per person. There is a $2 charge for children ages 5 and under.
• The Haunted Yard will take place from dusk to 10 p.m. at the Schaefer home, 127 Shabbona Drive, Park Forest.  There will be music after dusk and scary things to experience in the yard.
• On Halloween, Friday, October 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a ‘Trunk or Treat’ with a free chili dinner at Calvary United Church, 425 North Orchard (corner of Orchard and Lincoln Highway).

Note: Donations of canned goods can also be made at the Haunted Yard and ‘Trunk or Treat’ events. For additional information, call Kim Schaefer at 708-283-4190.

League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area

Discussion on State League Study of the Management of Charter Schools – Tuesday, October 21

The League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host a meeting to provide information on the state League study of the management of charter schools on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 PM at the Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. Ann Courter, Co-Chair of the State LWV Charter School Study Committee will speak and present an informational slide show.  The topics will include issues of evaluation and accountability, transparency, and funding for charter schools in Illinois. Questions being considered are: What standards do charter schools need to meet?  Who establishes them?  How are they funded?  Do they have to follow state laws?  To whom do they report?   Do voters have any say in charter schools?  Are charter schools still public schools? The meeting is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend to learn more about issues related to oversight and accountability for charter schools. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible government is invited to be a member. For more information about the program or membership in the League, please contact Mary Lubertozzi, 708-747-1359.

Parks Forest Recreation & Parks Department, 350 Victory Drive

Travel Presentations for the Colorado Rockies by train and London/Paris Trips – Registration Required by October 20

The Park Forest Recreation & Parks Department will be hosting a special travel presentation by Collette Tours for the Colorado Rockies by Train and London/Paris trips on Thursday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Park Forest Village Hall, Boardroom. Please register by Monday, October 20th to the Recreation & Parks Department at 708-748-2005.

Prairie State College (PSC), 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights

Annual Fall Job Fair – Wednesday, October 15

Representatives from companies and institutions from across the metropolitan Chicago area will be recruiting for full-time, part-time and internship positions, ranging from entry level to professional and managerial levels, at the PSC annual fall job fair. This year’s job fair is being held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, in the PSC Conference Center, located at 202 S. Halsted St. By attending the PSC job fair, attendees can identify potential jobs, expand networking opportunities, hone interviewing skills, and gather information about companies. Attendees are encouraged to dress in business attire and bring résumés to present to recruiters for open positions. Among the employers registered to recruit at the event are ABF Freight, Chicago Heights Steel, Crawford Broadcasting Co., Illinois Department of Transportation, Indian Oaks Academy, Kiddie Scholars, ManorCare Health Services, SouthSTAR Services and United States Secret Service. Additional employers may be added, and a full, up-to-date listing is available on the website at www.prairiestate.edu/jobfair.

The job fair is co-sponsored by PSC, UPS and the Chicagoland Regional College Program (CRCP). The fair is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Norfleet at 708-709-3755. Questions also can be sent to [email protected].

Representative Robin Kelly, Matteson

Job Search Boot Camps – Registration Required

Representative Robin Kelly will host a series of four Job Search Boot Camps to teach job-seekers interview skills, how to prepare a resume, and strategies to successfully navigate hiring events. The free, one-hour workshops will help prepare job-seekers for Rep. Kelly’s 2nd annual Hiring Event on Friday, October 24, from 9 to noon, in the gymnasium of South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland. Registration for the workshops is required at www.reprobinkelly.eventbrite.com. Early sign-up is encouraged; space is limited to 50 participants per class. The first boot camp or workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Pilgrim Baptist Church of South Chicago, lower level, 3235 E. 91st St., Chicago. A second workshop is set for Thursday, October 16, from 6 to 7 p.m., at South Suburban College, Heritage Conference Room, accessed through the Main Student Entrance, 15800 State St., South Holland. Another workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Governors State University, Cafeteria Annex, 1 University Parkway, University Park. The final workshop is set for Thursday, October 23, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. For more information, please call 708-679-0078.